Medford Streetlights Getting An Upgrade

MEDFORD, MA – The city will begin a citywide upgrade of 4,783 streetlights and 181 decorative lights to LED within the next few weeks, officials announced Wednesday. The project started last year with an audit of the existing streetlights, followed by a pilot of sample lights this past spring.

The new lights from National Grid are designed to improve the color and quality of light in the city, which officials hope will make roadways safer for pedestrians and drivers, and reduce consumption.

The city will also implement controls to immediately let workers know when a fixture needs repairing.

"The energy saved by this project will cut the cost of electricity of streetlights in the City by more than half, while also improving visibility throughout the city," Alicia Hunt, director of Energy and Environment, said in a statement. "It’s a real win-win."

Installation is expected to be completed in February. State roads in Medford will also undergo an LED conversion this winter, according to city officials.

"This project will improve the quality of life in the City, increase safety and help us achieve our goal of zero carbon by 2050," Mayor Stephanie M. Burke said in a statement. "I’m thrilled with the great work by both our Office of Energy and Environment and the Superintendent of Wires as we see the upgrade to LED come to fruition over the next several months across the City."

Photo Credit: Charlene Arsenault